The verse that introduces the whole chapter. Sound doctrine produces sound behavior. Doctrine is not separate from practice — it is the root from which Christian practice grows.

Many sermons today are practical without doctrinal foundation; they cannot last. Many are doctrinal without practical fruit; they cannot save. Paul requires the union — sound speech that becomes sound living.

The aged women given a teaching role — teachers of good things — toward the younger women. The model of older Christian women mentoring younger ones is biblical.

Not the public teaching of the church (1 Timothy 2:12) but the deeper instruction of life lived faithfully — marriage, home, children, character. This kind of teaching cannot be done at a distance or through books. It requires the older woman in the younger's life.

That the word of God be not blasphemed. The reason given for the wife's godly conduct. When Christian marriage is dysfunctional, the gospel is mocked. When it is honored, the gospel is commended.

The categories listed — discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient — are deeply counter-cultural in any age. The Christian wife adorns the doctrine of God by what she is in the family, not first by what she says in public.

Titus himself must be the pattern. The young pastor exemplifies what he preaches. His life teaches before his sermons do.

Pattern — Greek tupos, a model or example. The same word Paul uses in 1 Timothy 4:12 — be thou an example. The pastor is not just a teacher; he is the curriculum.

Even Christian slaves — perhaps especially Christian slaves — could adorn the doctrine of God by their fidelity. The lowest social position can be the brightest spiritual platform.

Adorn — Greek kosmeo, from which we get cosmetic. To make beautiful. The behavior of believers makes the gospel beautiful to onlookers. The opposite is also true — ugly Christian behavior makes the gospel ugly.

The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared. The Incarnation as the visible appearance of grace. Christ is grace embodied — grace with hands and feet and tears.

To all men. Universally addressed. The gospel does not bring salvation to all automatically — but it has appeared, is offered, is preached to all.

Grace is a teacher. Not the soft permission for sin some make it, but the strict instructor in godliness. The same grace that saves teaches.

Three virtues named: soberly (toward self), righteously (toward others), godly (toward God). The complete moral life summarized in three adverbs. Each pairs with one direction of relationship.

The great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. One of the clearest assertions of Christ's deity in Paul's letters. The Greek grammar links great God and Saviour Jesus Christ under one article — meaning they refer to the same Person.

Looking for. The believer's posture toward the future. The blessed hope is not vague optimism but specific expectation of His personal return. Maranatha — even so, come, Lord Jesus.

A complete soteriology in one verse. He gave himself (substitutionary atonement). To redeem us from all iniquity (full deliverance from sin's dominion). Purify a peculiar people (sanctification, set apart). Zealous of good works (the visible fruit).

Salvation is not just forgiveness of past sins. It is purification into a new kind of person — a peculiar people, zealous of good works. If the zeal is missing, the salvation is suspect.